| Code | CK301 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BCL (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
Course Outline
The BCL (International) is an exciting and dynamic degree which offers students the opportunity to spend a semester or a full academic year at a law school in Europe, the US, Canada, or China.
We have a wide variety of prestigious partner institutions and the study abroad period can be tailored to suit your interests, both academically and culturally.
Our partner institutions have a wide variety of specialisations in, for example, international human rights law, business and commercial law, constitutional law, and health law. They also provide practical exposure to the law via trial advocacy, moot court and law clinics.
At present, students can study at law schools in the following locations:
- Oslo (Norway)
- Helsinki (Finland)
- Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Leiden (Netherlands)
- Rotterdam (Netherlands)
- Prague (Czech Republic)
- Brno (Czech Republic)
- Lund (Sweden)
- Ghent (Belgium)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Temple (Philadelphia, USA)
- St Louis University (Missouri, USA)
- Montreal (Canada)
- Shanghai (China)
- Pune (India)
- Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia, Canada)
- Victoria (Canada)
- Bergen (Norway)
- Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
- Sapienza (Rome, Italy)
- Bologna (Italy)
- Vienna (Austria)
The BCL (International) gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the international student experience, to explore new cities and countries, to make new friends, and to develop your academic and professional potential. This is in addition to obtaining a law degree recognised by the professional bodies in Ireland which may also be tailored to focus on specialised areas of law.
Core Modules in First Year
Refer to CK301 Law (Pathways).
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
All BCL Pathways students take the same course of study in Year 1. This involves a combination of lectures, tutorials/guided study, and reading in the library.
At the end of Year 1 students will be given the opportunity to apply to transfer to BCL International II or BCL Clinical II. Entry to the BCL International or BCL Clinical is based on students achieving a minimum Second Class Honours Grade II in their examination results in First Year.
Students who remain in the BCL degree programme will complete their degree in 3 years whereas those who choose one of the other degree programmes will complete in 4 years.
Students who successfully transfer to BCL International II will follow the same course of study as other BCL II students except for an additional mandatory skills module to prepare them for their study abroad period in Year III. All students may also select a number of elective modules such as languages or business options in addition to their law modules.
During the study-abroad period, students will follow the course requirements in the host institution and often take courses at graduate level. These vary depending on the host university and the students own interests.
Students pay the same registration fees to UCC for third year irrespective of where they study abroad during the year. There are no additional tuition fees payable to the host university. Other costs such as travel and accommodation costs must be borne by the student.
Why Choose This Course
In an era of increasing globalisation, students who have studied abroad are particularly attractive to employers due to their familiarity with other legal systems and cultures, and the depth of experience this brings to the workplace.
The BCL (International) in UCC offers you the opportunity to study abroad, through English, for Year 3 of your degree. The course operates on well-established, strong links with partner law schools around the world including prestigious, internationally ranked law schools like ECUPL in Shanghai, Leiden in the Netherlands and Temple in Philadelphia.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
The study-abroad year is at the heart of the BCL (International). Our prestigious partner institutions offer you the exciting opportunity to live and study abroad in Year 3. At present, students of the BCL
(International) can study in:
- US (Philadelphia, Missouri)
- Canada (Montréal)
- China (Shanghai)
- Europe (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands)
Each of our partner institutions offers a different experience and you can tailor your study abroad to suit your interests both academically and culturally. Students frequently describe their study abroad as a life-changing experience.
Skills and Careers Information
Obtaining an international degree is a direct benefit to students in a competitive employment market. The skills and experience acquired during the year abroad benefits our graduates when they leave UCC and embark on their varied career paths.
BCL (International) students develop a strong foundation in legal research and writing, advocacy, and legal reasoning. These are transferable skills which are attractive to employers in a wide variety of professions and industries.
Our BCL (International) graduates are sought-after by employers who value the breadth of experience, both legal and personal, gained over the four years of the course.
Students can graduate with a broad-ranging general degree or can opt to tailor subject choices to specialise in areas like international law, business law, human rights law etc. Many graduates are currently working as solicitors in top law firms. Others have chosen to pursue further study abroad, to work with the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs, or to become law lecturers following further study, often internationally based.
Requirements
Refer to CK301.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.